Borno: ISWAP senior finance chief surrenders to soldiers
An Islamic State of West African Province terrorist chief financial operative and two male children have surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, in Borno State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a late-night statement on Saturday, noting that the success serves as another major operational breakthrough in the fight against insurgency.
The acting Military Information Officer Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, in the statement said the terrorist surrendered at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.
The statement reads, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East.”
He said the development comes amid a growing wave of terrorist surrenders, with approximately 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendering to troops in recent days
According to Goni, his decision to lay down his arms follows the recent series of coordinated and decisive land and air offensives conducted by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist enclaves.
“The terrorist surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route,” he said.
“Preliminary profiling indicates that the terrorist served as the Chief Finance Operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children,” he stated.
The Army spokesperson said Items recovered from the terrorist include one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the sum of ₦40,000.
“The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre,” he stressed.
He further noted that the surrender of such a key finance operative represents another significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the growing erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability, and sustainment network under the relentless pressure of Operation HADIN KAI.
“Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps,” he emphasised.
Goni assured all that Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to restore enduring peace, security, and stability across the North East.
“The Theatre Command therefore calls on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late,” he added.
Goni urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
